Ensure a happy holiday parade with these 16 safety tips

Keeping everyone safe should be tops on your wish list. After all, nothing can ruin the holidays quicker than a sprained ankle or broken arm — or worse — a few days before winter break.

You don’t need to be a Grinch, but you do need to read this special Holiday Parade Edition of the BSA’s trusted “Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety.”

Included in the 16 are some tips you might not have known, like this one: Scouts should walk along the route or ride in passenger cars (assuming two-deep leadership).

They may ride on floats, truck beds, trailers or the like, but only if they follow the rules in No. 7 below.

All it takes is one Scout getting injured for you to understand why these rules exist. Is it worth the risk?

Here are the 16 tips:

1. Have qualified supervision

Do you have enough adults to supervise Scouts and monitor for hazards along the route?

Many packs and troops use a four-corners approach with adults: two adults at the front — left and right — and two bringing up the rear.

2. Consider physical fitness

How long is the parade route?

Are there hills?

Adults and youth need to be in good enough shape for the length and conditions.

3. Use the buddy system

Before you begin the march, make sure each Scout — and adult! — has a buddy.

That’s especially important in crowded environments.

Parades are typically crowded, and you don’t want a Scout to get lost in the shuffle.

4. Find a safe area

You wouldn’t choose a busy street for a Scout activity, but you don’t get to pick the location of a parade.

Parades can bring risks that might not ordinarily be present:

Moving vehicles and machinery

Animals

Firearms or fireworks

Hazardous weather

Large or unruly crowds

Potential for thrown objects

5. Check vehicles used to transport Scouts

Any vehicle used for transporting passengers should be equipped with a secure passenger compartment and approved safety belts.

And don’t put more people in a passenger vehicle than it’s designed to hold.

See No. 7, below, for more on Scouts and parade vehicles.

6. Bring personal safety equipment

Dress for the weather, and bring the following:

First aid kit (one or two per unit should suffice)

Rain gear

Good walking shoes

Water bottle

Sunblock

Insect repellant

7. Follow proper safety procedures

Allow adequate space between marchers and any vehicles

Designate a lookout to watch out for vehicles and other hazards

Take head counts before, during and after the parade

The BSA rule prohibiting the transportation of passengers in the backs of trucks or on trailers may be tempered for parade floats or hayrides, provided that the following points are strictly followed to prevent injuries:

Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed on the truck or trailer.

Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to hold on to something stationary.

Legs should not hang over the side.

Flashing lights must illuminate a vehicle used for a hayride after dark, or the vehicle must be followed by a vehicle with flashing lights.

8. Consider the abilities of younger and older members

If the forecast calls for unseasonably warm or cold weather where you live, don’t be afraid to suggest that your younger Cub Scouts or older adults find a seat on the sidelines.

Perhaps they could find a better way to participate that’s suited to them.

Better safe than sorry.

9. Watch the weather

Don’t let a blizzard, high winds or rain make your parade dangerous.

Check the forecast several days out and daily as the parade approaches.

The best outcome in weather emergencies is to avoid them altogether.

10. Plan ahead

Do you have all of your permission slips?

Did you determine a meeting spot for before and after the parade?

Did you distribute maps and emergency cellphone numbers to the adults?

Hold a pre-parade meeting with adult leaders where you discuss these items, consider severe-weather locations and discuss the location of a support vehicle nearby.

11. Secure a communication plan

Cellphones or two-way radios can keep everyone on the same page.

You can use them in emergencies, of course, but also to tell parents and families when you’re nearing their spot along the parade route.

If you’re using cellphones, make sure you have numbers pre-programmed into your phone. With radios, find an open channel and stick to it.

12. File your plan and permit

File your application for a BSA tour plan and any other required permits your city or county might need.

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